Tanning system and method

ABSTRACT

A tanning system comprising one or more substrates which are substantially permeable to ultraviolet light so that when placed over the human skin of a subject, a predetermined pattern on the substrate which is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light, and one or more alignment regions to help the subject align the tanning system during subsequent uses of the system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for tanning theskin.

2. Description of Related Art

Various methods of tanning the skin in a specific predetermined patternhave been proposed. In general, a temporary tanning tattoo having thepredetermined pattern may be placed on the skin by using ultravioletradiation to selectively increase the pigmentation of the skin, therebyresulting in the tanning thereof. The ultraviolet radiation may beemitted by the sun or other suitable source (e.g., lamps emittingultraviolet light) so that the melanocytes in the basal layer of theskin produce melanin. Several systems and methods are generallydescribed in Harden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,502 entitled “Tanning System;”Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,143 entitled “Apparatus and Method forSelective Marking with Natural or Artificial Light;” and Goeringer, U.S.Pat. No. 5,811,108 entitled “Sun Blocking Tattoo Sticker,” all of whichare incorporated by reference.

One problem with conventional tanning systems and methods is theinability to have the pattern design be properly aligned on the humanbody. In addition, another problem associated with conventional tanningsystems and methods is the inability to be customized for eachindividual user. The present invention is directed to a tanning systemand method which helps overcome such problems associated withconventional tanning systems and techniques.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved tanning system andmethod. The tanning system comprises a substrate which is substantiallypermeable to ultraviolet light so that when placed over the human skinof a subject, ultraviolet light passes through the substrate and inducesthe melanocytes of the subject to tan the subject's skin. The substratehas a predetermined pattern which is substantially impermeable toultraviolet light so that when the subject's skin is exposed to naturalsunlight, a sun-bed, or other ultraviolet light source, the subject'sskin is tanned with a pattern corresponding to the predetermined patternof the substrate. In addition, the tanning system includes one or morealignment regions to help the subject align the tanning system on thebody. During use, the subject aligns the alignment region with alandmark structure on the subject's skin (such as an umbilicus) so thatthe predetermined pattern is positioned on the subject's skin in thedesired location. The alignment region also enables the subject to alignthe tanning system in substantially the same location during subsequentuses of the system.

In addition, in another aspect, the present invention is directed to atanning system comprising multiple substrates, each having a differentpredetermined pattern that is substantially impermeable to ultravioletlight. The predetermined pattern on each substrate varies by either orboth of the degree of impermeability to ultraviolet light or the shapeof the pattern. In either case, the tanning system comprising multiplesubstrates permits the subject to select the combination of substratesthat provides a personalized desired tanning pattern during use.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages andnovel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learnedfrom the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of theinvention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalitiesand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tanning system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section of the tanning system in accordancewith a second embodiment, illustrating an optional adhesive layer andbacking sheet on the substrate. The thickness of the various layers isexaggerated for clarity.

FIG. 3 shows a tanning system in accordance with a third embodiment ofthe present invention, in which the tanning system comprises multiplesubstrates, each having a different predetermined pattern with adifferent degree of ultraviolet light impermeability.

FIG. 3A shows the tanning system of FIG. 3 whereby the two substratesare placed on top of one another to form a composite pattern that hasdifferent degrees of ultraviolet light impermeability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings, the tanning system 10 of the presentinvention comprises a substrate 20 which is at least partially permeableto ultraviolet light, a predetermined pattern 30 which is substantiallyimpermeable to ultraviolet light, and at least one alignment region 40.

Suitable materials for making the substrate 20 are well-known to thoseskilled in the art. Typically the substrate is comprised of atransparent plastic material, such as polyethylene film. Thistransparent material is at least partially permeable to ultravioletlight so that when placed over a subject's skin, the skin is capable ofbeing tanned by a source of ultraviolet light.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tanning system optionally includes non-toxicfastening tapes or adhesive 22 for facilitating temporary attachment ofthe substrate 20 to the subject's body during use. The adhesive coversat least a portion of the one of the major surfaces of the substrate,and is usually in the shape of a strip or line of adhesive. The adhesive22 is preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive which is substantiallytransparent so that the ultraviolet light is permitted to pass throughthe adhesive and substrate to tan the subject. The adhesive is alsopreferably substantially transparent to visible light so that theadhesive is not readily noticeable when the tanning system is in use.Examples of suitable transparent adhesives for use with the presentinvention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,923,757; 4,068,028;4,137,364; and 5,143,995, all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

The tanning system 10 optionally includes a backing sheet 24 (e.g.,release sheet) for support and/or protection of the substrate prior touse. As an example, the tanning system 10 is formed of a laminatedstructure comprising the substrate 20, adhesive 22, and backing sheet 24(see FIG. 2). Alternatively, a two-ply material with the substrateattached to the backing sheet may be used. Suitable two-ply materialcomprises a polyethylene sheet material attached to a paper backingsheet having a smooth silicone coating on an inner side of the backingsheet such that the polyethylene sheet may be easily removed from thebacking sheet.

The predetermined pattern 30 which is substantially impermeable toultraviolet light is formed on the substrate using any suitable method.For example, an opaque pattern may be drawn, colored, or printed on thesubstrate using conventional printing techniques and writing utensils,such as markers.

Alternatively, the predetermined pattern 30 may also be formed bycoating, marking, or printing the substrate with a material which issubstantially transparent to visible light, yet substantially opaquerelative to ultraviolet radiation. For example, the substrate may becoated with a polymeric film having an ultraviolet light absorbingamount of 2-(hydroxy-lower alkyl phenyl) benzotriazole which may behalogen substituted in the four, five, six, or seven positions. Theamount of benzotriazole distributed throughout the polymeric film ispreferably from about 0.01 to about 5 parts by weight of the polymer.The ultraviolet light absorbing substance may be mixed with the monomersand then the monomers polymerized, or by compounding with the polymerprior to extrusion or molding. See generally Goeringer, U.S. Pat. No.5,811,108, which is incorporated by reference. Preferably, thepredetermined pattern absorbs at least about fifty percent (50%), evenmore preferably about seventy-five percent (75%), and most preferably atleast about ninety percent (90%), of ultraviolet light in the 300 to 380nanometer range, while transmitting substantially all visible lighttherethrough. Such an exemplary tanning system is substantiallytransparent to an individual viewing the tanning system, therebyfacilitating inconspicuous use of the system when applied to a humanbody.

As shown in FIG. 1, the predetermined pattern 30 which is substantiallyimpermeable to ultraviolet light is preferably impermeable to theultraviolet light to the same extent throughout the pattern (see FIG.1). This generally results in a very discernible “cut” muscular lookafter tanning a subject's skin with the tanning system.

The predetermined pattern may also include regions which are more orless permeable to ultraviolet light. That is, the predetermined patternmay contain one or more graded regions whereby the ultraviolet lightpermeability varies from a more impermeable (substantially opaque) to aless impermeable region. This generally results in a less distinct andless “cut” muscular look on the subject. An exemplary predeterminedpattern having graded regions is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,502, whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The less distinct and less “cut” muscular look may also be achieved byusing a tanning system comprised of two or more substrates, each havinga different predetermined pattern shape and/or level of impermeabilityto ultraviolet light. During use, the sheets are disposed one on top ofanother to form a composite tanning pattern on the subject. For example,FIG. 3 generally shows a tanning system 10 comprising a first substrate20 a having a first predetermined pattern 30 a with a second sheet 20 bhaving a second predetermined pattern 30 b. The first predeterminedpattern 30 a is darker than the second predetermined pattern 30 b suchthat the second predetermined pattern permits more ultraviolet light tobe transmitted therethrough. Thus, the predetermined patterns 30 a, 30 bdiffer as to the level or degree of impermeability to ultraviolet light.The first predetermined pattern 30 a covers the abdominal muscles andthe lower part of the pectoralis major muscles. The second predeterminedpattern 30 b covers the abdominal muscles (but the pattern is larger insize), as well as nearly all of the pectoralis major muscles. Thus, thepredetermined patterns 30 a, 30 b shown in FIG. 3 also exemplify thosehaving different shapes. During use, the substrates 20 a, 20 b areplaced on top of one another as shown in FIG. 3A so that the skin istanned to different degrees according to the composite predeterminedpatterns 30 a, 30 b. The composite predetermined pattern 30 isimpermeable to ultraviolet light to different degrees, with a lessimpermeable outline surrounding a more impermeable interior.

It will be readily appreciated that the tanning system is well adaptedto having multiple substrates 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, etc., each with adifferently shaped predetermined pattern 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d and/oreach with a different level of impermeability to ultraviolet light whichcan be mixed and matched according to the subject's preference. Forexample, the subject may use a first substrate with a predeterminedpattern for the abdominal muscles that is more impermeable toultraviolet light (resulting in a more definite “cut” or contour) and asecond substrate with a predetermined pattern for the chest orpectoralis muscles which is less impermeable to ultraviolet light(resulting in a less definite “cut” or contour). Yet, a third substratewith a third predetermined pattern for just the chest that is even lessimpermeable to ultraviolet light can also be used. The system thuspermits the subject to select the combination of substrates thatprovides the subject with a personalized desired tanning pattern duringuse.

Although the predetermined pattern 30 could be targeted to accentuatethe musculature of any body part, the predetermined pattern 30 ispreferably one that is adapted to be fitted to a human torso to improvethe appearance of a subject which is exposed to natural sunlight or asun-bed. Most preferably, the predetermined pattern covers one or moreregions emphasizing the rectus abdominis muscles, transverse abdominismuscles, internal/external abdominal oblique muscles, and/or pectoralismajor muscles (in males typically). See generally FIG. 1.

The tanning system 10 of the present invention also contains at leastone alignment region 40. The alignment region helps ensure that thesubstrate is placed on the subject at substantially the same locationwhen the subject desires to use the tanning system on multipleoccasions. In addition, the alignment region is useful when the subjectneeds to take a temporary break during a tanning session in which thetanning system must be temporarily removed.

The alignment region 40 typically comprises a marking or opening in thesubstrate. Typically, the region is in the form of a point or circle.During use, the alignment region is aligned with a landmark structure ormarking on the subject's body, such as an umbilicus (i.e., belly button)in the case of a substrate containing a predetermined pattern designedto accentuate the muscles of the human torso. As another example, thelandmark structure could be a nipple in the case of a substratecontaining a predetermined pattern designed to accentuate the muscles ofthe human chest.

The tanning system 10 may include multiple alignment regions 40. Forexample, FIGS. 1, 3, and 3A show an alignment region comprised ofmultiple perforated openings in the substrate. To use the tanning system10, the subject chooses a suitable opening to orient the predeterminedpattern on the subject's body in a manner that best fits the subject'sbody contour. During subsequent tanning sessions, the tanning system isplaced on the subject in substantially the same location by virtue ofthe alignment region. In addition, when multiple substrates 20 a, 20 b,20 c, 20 d, etc. are used, it is preferable that each has multiplealignment regions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d (see FIG. 3).

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objectives hereinabove set forth,together with the other advantages which are obvious and which areinherent to the invention. Since many possible embodiments may be madeof the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that all matters herein set forth or shown in theaccompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not ina limiting sense. While specific embodiments have been shown anddiscussed, various modifications may of course be made, and theinvention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of partsand steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations areincluded in the following claims. Further, it will be understood thatcertain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employedwithout reference to other features and subcombinations. This iscontemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

1. A tanning system comprising: a first substrate which is substantiallypermeable to ultraviolet light; a first predetermined pattern on saidsubstrate, said first predetermined pattern substantially impermeable toultraviolet light; and at least one alignment region.
 2. The tanningsystem of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive coated on at least aportion of said substrate, said adhesive being substantially permeableto ultraviolet light.
 3. The tanning system of claim 1 furthercomprising a backing sheet covering at least a portion of saidsubstrate.
 4. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein said firstpredetermined pattern absorbs at least about 90% of ultraviolet light inthe 300 to 380 nanometer range.
 5. The tanning system of claim 1 whereinsaid first predetermined pattern is substantially impermeable toultraviolet light to the same extent throughout the first predeterminedpattern.
 6. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein said firstpredetermined pattern contains one or more graded regions whereby theimpermeability to ultraviolet light varies in the graded region.
 7. Thetanning system of claim 1 wherein said first predetermined patterncomprises a region corresponding to one or more muscles selected fromthe group consisting of the rectus abdominis muscles, transverseabdominis muscles, internal/external abdominal oblique muscles, andpectoralis major muscles.
 8. The tanning system of claim 1 wherein saidalignment region comprises a marking on or opening in said substrate. 9.The tanning system of claim 1 comprising multiple alignment regions. 10.The tanning system of claim 9 where said multiple alignment regionscomprise a plurality of perforated openings in the substrate.
 11. Thetanning system of claim 1 further comprising a second substrate having asecond predetermined pattern which is substantially impermeable toultraviolet light to a degree that is different than said firstpredetermined pattern on said first substrate.
 12. The tanning system ofclaim 1 further comprising a second substrate having a secondpredetermined pattern which is different in shape than said firstpredetermined pattern on said first substrate.
 13. The tanning system ofclaim 1 further comprising a second substrate having a secondpredetermined pattern which is different in shape than said firstpredetermined pattern on said first substrate, and wherein said secondpredetermined pattern is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet lightto a degree that is different than said first predetermined pattern. 14.A method for tanning the skin of a subject comprising: providing tanningsystem comprising a first substrate which is substantially permeable toultraviolet light, a first predetermined pattern on said substrate, saidfirst predetermined pattern substantially impermeable to ultravioletlight, and an alignment region; aligning said alignment region with alandmark structure on said subject's body; and exposing the subject to asource of ultraviolet light.
 15. The tanning method of claim 14 whereinsaid tanning system further comprises an adhesive coated on at least aportion of said substrate, said adhesive being substantially transparentto ultraviolet light; and further comprising the step of adhering saidtanning system to said subject using said adhesive.
 16. The tanningmethod of claim 14 wherein said tanning system further comprises abacking sheet attached to said substrate; and further comprising thestep of removing said backing sheet from said substrate prior to saidaligning step.
 17. The tanning method of claim 14 wherein said firstpredetermined pattern comprises a region corresponding to one or moremuscles selected from the group consisting of the rectus abdominismuscles, transverse abdominis muscles, internal/external abdominaloblique muscles, and pectoralis major muscles; and wherein said aligningstep comprises aligning said alignment region with a landmark structurecomprising said subject's umbilicus.
 18. The tanning method of claim 14wherein said tanning system comprises multiple alignment regions; andfurther comprising the step of selecting one of said alignment regionsto be aligned with said subject's landmark structure.
 19. The tanningmethod of claim 18 wherein said multiple alignment regions are comprisedof multiple perforated openings in said substrate; and furthercomprising the step of creating a hole in said substrate correspondingto one of said multiple perforated openings, said hole being alignedwith said landmark structure.
 20. The tanning method of claim 14 whereinsaid tanning system also comprises a second substrate which issubstantially permeable to ultraviolet light and having a secondpredetermined pattern substantially impermeable to ultraviolet light toa different degree than said first predetermined pattern; and furthercomprising the step of: placing said second substrate over or under saidfirst substrate.
 21. The tanning method of claim 20 wherein said secondsubstrate has a second alignment region, and further comprising the stepof aligning said second alignment region with a landmark structure onsaid subject's body prior to said exposing step.
 22. The tanning methodof claim 14 wherein said tanning system also comprises a secondsubstrate which is substantially permeable to ultraviolet light andhaving a second predetermined pattern substantially impermeable toultraviolet light that is different in shape than said firstpredetermined pattern; and further comprising the step of: placing saidsecond substrate over or under said first substrate.
 23. A tanningsystem comprising: a first substrate which is substantially permeable toultraviolet light, a first predetermined pattern on said firstsubstrate, said first predetermined pattern substantially impermeable toultraviolet light; and a second substrate which is substantiallypermeable to ultraviolet light, a second predetermined pattern on saidsecond substrate, said second predetermined pattern having a degree ofimpermeability to ultraviolet light that is different than said firstpredetermined pattern or having a shape that is different than saidfirst predetermined pattern or having both a degree of impermeability toultraviolet light and a shape that is different than said firstpredetermined pattern.